While moonshine was once relegated to backwoods stills and bootleggers relied on midnight runs to move the illegal product, today partakers can belly up to the tasting bar at a number of legal moonshine establishments, including Sugarlands Distillery in Gatlinburg.

Yes. Moonshine has gone mainstream.

Just as moonshine has come out of the darkness and into the light, so, too, does the huge sign flashing “MoonShine” that greets visitors to the Sugarlands “still house.” Named after the beautiful valley that stretches across part of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sugarlands Distillery opened its doors in 2014. Sugarlands Valley, in turn, earned its name from early settlers for the abundance of sugar maples that grew in the area — appropriate since sugar is an important ingredient in making moonshine.

More than a place to sample a little shine and buy a few jars to take home, Sugarlands Distillery offers a variety of experiences for visitors. From tastings and tours to workshops and live music, this Gatlinburg hotspot is an entertainment destination.

Have a taste

The simplest way to experience the distillery is with a tasting. Your seasonal sampler will include tasting notes and cocktail recipes to try. The tasting fee is $5 (a recent request from the City of Gatlinburg in order to keep these establishments family friendly) but comes with a $5 voucher good toward any in-store purchase. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, pay $10 at the Cocktail Kitchen, where you can order a pair of Sugarlands cocktails from their seasonal rotating menu. Recipes like Butter Pecan Martini, Half-Baked Apple and Blackberry Mule are just a few of the spirited cocktail concoctions you’ll find on their rotating menu (and the recipes are on their website).

Moonshine, music and more

Whether you want a quick tour of the distillery and moonshine-making or an in-depth look and a chance to participate in the process, there’s an option just for you.

BLENDED COCKTAILS TOUR

Includes a 30-minute tour of the still house and a look at how Sugarlands Shine is made. TasteMakers will also handcraft a pair of cocktails for your sipping pleasure. $12 per person.

The Blended Cocktails Tour
includes a 30-minute tour of the still house and a look at how Sugarlands Shine is made.(Photo: Courtesy of Sugarlands Distillery)

MEET THE DISTILLER WORKSHOP

Get a private look at the distilling process and fill your own jar of moonshine to take home. Groups are small — two to 10 people. $40 per person.

DISTILLER FOR THE DAY WORKSHOP

Fully immerse yourself in learning how moonshine is made and actually participate in the process. From grinding the corn to mixing the mash and filling the jars, you’ll spend the day learning the entire process. Tour includes lunch. Groups of two to 10. $250 per person.

In addition to tastings and tours, the distillery offers music on their in-house stage and opportunities to meet with Discovery Channel Moonshine Legends like Mark Ramsey and Steven Tickle, who drop in on occasion.

In addition to giving visitors an entertaining experience and some fine sippin’ shine, Sugarlands also gives back. Part of their “give-back” mindset includes the MoonShare Year of Giving program through which they award $10,000 each to six nonprofits. Recipients have included Casting For Recovery, Soldiers’ Angels, Camp Sunshine and Free 2 Luv. Sugarlands also helps nonprofits by donating spirits and signature cocktails to galas and other events through its “Fundraiser in a Jar” program.

Whether you stop in for a quick sample, take a short tour or spend day during a workshop, Sugarlands Distillery can be an entertaining and educational part of your Smokies vacation.